National Nutrition Month Celebrated at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre
The Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, SRMMCHRC, organized a camp in association with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan at Panchayat Union Middle School, Thenmelpakkam, Chengalpet district, as part of the National Nutrition Month celebration on 3rd September 2024. The theme focused on “Nutritious Diet for All,” reflecting the commitment to promoting healthy eating habits among the younger generation.
Highlights of the event:
> The Postgraduate students of the department performed a puppet show that highlighted the hidden negative consequences of commercially available juices.
> This unique presentation attracted the audience’s interest, making it a useful tool for appealingly communicating vital nutritional facts.
> Displayed educational posters: These posters provided valuable information on various aspects of nutrition, including protein-rich foods, iron, calcium, and vitamin A-rich foods, as well as natural immune boosters found in everyday foods. The visually appealing and informative posters aimed to increase awareness among the students about the importance of a balanced diet.
To make the learning experience more interactive, the camp also featured games and quizzes for the younger generation out there. These activities were centered around topics such as distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy foods, understanding the food pyramid, and identifying the nutrients present in common foods. These interactive sessions were well-received by the students, helping to reinforce their knowledge in a fun and memorable way.
In addition to these educational activities, a nutritional assessment was conducted for all the school children. This assessment provided valuable insights into the nutritional status of the students, helping to identify any potential deficiencies or areas for improvement.
Refreshments were served to all the students, as a part of the celebration of National Nutrition Month ensuring they offered healthy and nutritious food to enjoy. This gesture further emphasized the importance of incorporating nutritious foods into their daily diet. The puppet show kit used during the event was donated to the school management. This donation enabled the school to continue educating students on important health and nutrition topics through similar interactive presentations in the future.
On the whole, the camp was a successful initiative that effectively combined education, entertainment, and hands-on activities to promote the importance of nutrition among school children. The collaboration between the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan was instrumental in making this event a meaningful contribution to National Nutrition Month.
